Want to Learn more about Extensional Viscosity?

Read more!

Want to learn about how extensional deformation or shearing has such a significant impact on industrial processes? Interested in what happens when you compare Xanthan and HPAM Solution Extensional Viscosity for enhanced oil recovery?

e-VROC™ VISCOMETER — EXTENSIONAL VISCOSITY

Viscometer Principle

The e-VROC™ chip is engineered with a microfluid channel of uniform width and depth. It has hyperbolic contraction/expansion zone in the middle of the channel and four monolithically integrated MEMS pressure sensors (two in the upstream and two in the downstream of the contraction/expansion zone). A liquid entering the channel first experiences shear flow in the straight channel and then experiences a uniform extension in the contraction zone as illustrated by the elongational shape change of the square in the schematic below.

Compared to other methods of extensional viscosity measurement, e-VROC™ allows the measurement of extensional viscosity at high extensional rates. The system measures the pressure upstream and downstream of a contraction using the MEMS pressure sensors, and it registers changes in the flow. The fluid undergoes an almost constant extension through the contraction/expansion, enabling the calculation of the extensional viscosity

Testing a Sample with e-VROC™ Viscometer

Step 1: Load the syringe with your sample

Step 2: Tighten the syringe into the chip enclosure and secure it inside the thermal jacket

Step 3: Bring down the top of the thermal jacket enclosure and lock it by turning the black thumb screw clockwise— you are ready to measure your sample!